More by
Shannon

So long as the Oscars exist, the tradition of cocktails pegged to your favorite Best Picture nominees will live on. And for those of us who need an excuse to fix a fancy cocktail, here’s your chance. Set aside the boring bubbly and shake yourself one of the award-worthy sips below. I, for one, will need a Catatonic with A LOT of whipped cream to soothe my post-Amour sorrows.

Pour the chocolate liqueur and creme de menthe into a coffee mug, and stir. Add hot chocolate, and top with whipped cream. Sprinkle with chocolate shavings and a maraschino cherry if desired, and serve.

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ARGO—Canadian Embassy Argo’s Canadian “film crew” would no doubt love one of Canada’s greatest exports, maple syrup. But don’t be fooled like the Iranians: the base of this feisty cocktail is all-American moonshine.

Measure maple syrup into a glass. Add ice and pour in moonshine slowly, stirring to ensure that you properly combine it with the syrup. Add a splash of bitters. Rub an orange slice around inside of rocks glass, add fresh ice, and strain moonshine mixture into the rocks glass. Garnish with orange and serve.

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BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD—The Bathtub Little Hushpuppy may not be able to legally drink for another decade or so, but this bayou-inspired cocktail of hip and flavorful ingredients like champagne and triple sec will be well worth the wait.

Add all ingredients but the ginger beer to a cocktail shaker full of ice; shake and strain into a cocktail glass, then add the ginger beer. You can also serve this drink in a highball glass over ice by instead adding pomegranate juice, citrus liqueur, and lime juice to an ice-filled glass; stirring for 30 seconds. Add the ginger beer and stir once more. The over-ice version stays cooler longer, but as the ice melts the smoky flavor will be less distinct.

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LES MISERABLES—Gavroche As spunky and sweet as one of Les Mis’ most beloved characters, the Gavroche will most likely make you want to burst into song. You’ve been warned.

Combine mint leaves, syrup and moonshine in a glass. Using a bar spoon, crush mint to release its essence into the liquid. Fill glass with ice. Gently press the spoon into the ice, shaking it to incorporate moonshine-syrup mixture. Garnish.

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SILVER LINING’S PLAYBOOK—Home-Aid Fast enough to whip up for a crowd, just like game day at Solitano household, this “Home-Aid” may look like unassuming punch. However, the sophisticated base of vanilla citrus liqueur nods to the ballroom dancer underneath.